PKSF, CAB International join hands to promote sustainable farming
Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation and CAB International have agreed to work together to promote safe food production, reduce farmers' costs and address climate and environmental risks in Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
The organisations signed a memorandum of understanding titled "Up-scaling of Sustainable Agroecological Farming in Bangladesh" today, 21 August.
Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation Deputy Managing Director Dr Akond Mohammad Rafiqul Islam and CAB International Regional Director for South Asia Dr Vinod Pandit signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
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Presiding over the signing ceremony, PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader emphasised the need to advance Bangladesh's agricultural sector through sustainable and market-driven solutions.
He underscored the importance of promoting science-based agriculture and agroecology while equipping farmers with the skills to adopt modern, environmentally friendly practices.
Kader also highlighted the potential for local farmers to develop microenterprises to produce biopesticides. Such enterprises could lower production costs, reduce environmental and public health risks, and accelerate the transition towards safer food production, he said.
Vinod said the initiative aimed to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and promote safer biological pest-control methods through training and enhanced technical capacity.
The partnership will also focus on raising awareness among agricultural stakeholders, strengthening digital data management and developing market-based partnerships to lower farmers' costs and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Under the agreement, CAB International's technical expertise under its PlantwisePlus programme will be combined with PKSF's implementation capacity and grassroots network.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the knowledge and skills of smallholder and marginal farmers while supporting the wider adoption of sustainable agroecological farming practices.
